Deadly Class, Vol.5: Carousel

Author: Rick Remender | Illustrator: Wes Craig

Publisher: Image Comics

Genre/Themes: Comics, Dark Drama

Release Date: March 14th 2017

Page Count: 128

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781534300552

Author Website | Illustrator Website | Book Depository | Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Kobo

FINALLY. Well…actually, I did read this volume as single issues as they were released because I honestly could NOT wait for this volume to be released after the way that volume 4 ended. This was the first time I had read individual issues of any comic before and it has definitely introduced me to the world of digital comics! Once the entire volume was released in paperback, you better believe I bought it and read the whole thing again. Ugh, this series is too good.

Synopsis

The brutal Freshman Finals at Kings Dominion School of the Deadly Arts have created a new status quo. The Student Council has eliminated all its enemies and rules the halls with an iron fist. Into this shark tank comes a new class of kids, fresh blood for a fresh start.  There is Quan, a Vietnamese rockabilly, quick with his knives and a comb. Helmut, an East German metalhead with a hatred for communists. Zenzele, a hammer-swinging refugee of a brutal African civil war, and Tosahwi, a Native American skate punk with a whole nation’s history of violence to pay back. And then there’s Saya, who alone of her group of friends survived the finals and who stands poised to become the school’s deadliest student. But when her dark past comes back to haunt her, will she ride the torrent of blood she’s unleashed or end up drowning in it?

What I Liked

The new story. With the way that volume 4 ended, I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like the way that the new story arc was headed. We were going to be introduced to a new cast of characters and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that, considering my love for the old ones. However, as you already know, Deadly Class is my favourite comic series of all time and I wasn’t about to stop reading it just because I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the new story. Obviously I was totally wrong. I actually really enjoyed the new story arc and the new characters. I loved learning more about Saya’s family and it was interesting to see her interactions with the new freshman. Honestly, I don’t know why I was worried. This series can literally do no wrong.

The characters. As mentioned above, we were introduced to a whole cast of new characters within this new story arc. While I did miss the old characters, these new ones were a great addition to the story and I can’t wait to learn more about Quan, Helmut, Zenzele & Tosahwi and each of their personal back stories. I will mention that I have already read the newest issue that will kick off volume 6 and it dove right into the back story of Saya and I absolutely LOVED it. I really hope we get an in depth look into the other characters in the same way.

The shocks and twists. With any Deadly Class issue or volume, you always need to prepare yourself for some insane shocks and twists. However, no matter how much you try and prep yourself for something like that…it never really works. There were moments in this volume that I did not see coming at all. Funnily enough, I kind of predicted the ending…maybe not the way that happened, but I just knew that it had to happen eventually. However, there was a moment prior to the ending that I did NOT see coming and it took me completely off guard. It was amazing.

The ending. I mean honestly, I think we all wanted that ending!

What I Didn’t Like

What’s not to love? I loved everything about this volume, but I mean…is that really any surprise? It’s like this comic was made for me! It’s dark and violent, and I’m not sure what that says about me, but I absolutely LOVE it.

I don’t know how many times I will praise this series in the future, but just keep in mind that this is the best comic series I have ever read. I’m going to continue reading the single issues as they are released and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

About The Author

Rick Remender is the writer/co-creator of comics such as LOW, Fear Agent, Deadly Class, Tokyo Ghost, and Black Science. For Marvel he has written titles such as Uncanny Avengers, Captain America, Uncanny X-Force, and Venom. He’s written video games such as Bulletstorm and Dead Space, worked on films such as The Iron Giant, Anastasia, and Titan A.E. He and his tea-sipping wife, Danni, currently reside in Los Angeles raising two beautiful mischief monkeys.

 About The Illustrator

Thank you for reading!